The State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA) implemented a unified points-based evaluation system for foreign workers in China. Under this scheme, all foreign applicants for work permits are classified into three tiers — Category A (High-level Talents), Category B (Professional Talents), and Category C (Other Foreigners) — based on an integrated scoring mechanism that assesses education, salary, work experience, language skills, and regional incentives. The classification determines eligibility, application procedures, and potential benefits. Below, Finerise Consultants reproduces the core point assignment table for your reference, as updated to the latest practice (interim version).
➦ Points Assignment Table (Interim Version)
| Points Assignment Elements | Standard & Evaluation Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Authorized Qualification Elements | Selected into a national talent introduction plan and meeting internationally recognized standards of professional achievement | — |
| Meeting the standards for market‑oriented encouraged job categories | — | |
| Innovative and entrepreneurial talents, and outstanding young talents | — | |
| Annual Salary Paid by the Domestic Employer (RMB 10,000)Max Points: 20 | 45 or above | 20 |
| 35 to below 45 | 17 | |
| 25 to below 35 | 14 | |
| 15 to below 25 | 11 | |
| 7 to below 15 | 8 | |
| 5 to below 7 | 5 | |
| Below 5 | 0 | |
| Education Level or Professional Qualification CertificateMax Points: 20 | Doctoral degree; internationally recognized highest‑level vocational qualification, or Senior Technician or equivalent | 20 |
| Master's degree; Technician or equivalent | 15 | |
| Bachelor's degree; Senior Worker or equivalent | 10 | |
| Years of Relevant Work ExperienceMax Points: 20 | For each full year beyond 2 years, 1 additional point is awarded | Up to 20 |
| 2 years | 5 | |
| Less than 2 years | 0 | |
| Annual Working Time (Months)Max Points: 15 | 9 months or more | 15 |
| 6 to below 9 months | 10 | |
| 3 to below 6 months | 5 | |
| Less than 3 months | 0 | |
| Chinese Language ProficiencyMax Points: 5 | Foreigners who formerly held Chinese nationality | 5 |
| Obtained a bachelor's degree or above with Chinese as the medium of instruction | 5 | |
| Passed HSK Level 5 or above | 5 | |
| Passed HSK Level 4 | 4 | |
| Passed HSK Level 3 | 3 | |
| Passed HSK Level 2 | 2 | |
| Passed HSK Level 1 | 1 | |
| Work Orientation (Regional Incentive)Max Points: 10 | Western regions of China | 10 |
| Old industrial bases in Northeast China | 10 | |
| Special areas such as national‑level poverty‑stricken counties in Central China | 10 | |
| Age (Years)Max Points: 15 | 18 to below 25 | 10 |
| 26 to 45 | 15 | |
| 46 to 55 | 10 | |
| 56 to 60 | 5 | |
| Over 60 | 0 | |
| Graduation from a High‑Level Overseas University, Fortune 500 Experience, or Other Specified CriteriaMax Points: 5 | Graduated from a high‑level overseas university | 5 |
| Has work experience in a Fortune 500 enterprise | 5 | |
| Holder of patents or other intellectual property rights | 5 | |
| Has worked continuously in China for 5 years or more | 5 | |
| Provincial Encouragement PointsMax Points: 10 | Special talents in short supply for local socioeconomic development | 0 – 10 |
➦ Key Considerations
- Category Classification: Points accumulated across the above elements determine the final classification. Category A generally requires a score of 85 points or above, while Category B typically falls in the range of 60 to 85 points. Applicants below 60 points may be classified as Category C.
- Direct Qualification: Certain high-level qualifications, such as being selected for a national talent introduction plan, may directly qualify an applicant for Category A without relying on the cumulative point total.
- Regional Variations: Provincial foreigner‑management departments retain the discretion to add encouragement points for local talent shortages, as noted in the final row of the table.
- Documentary Evidence: Every claimed element must be supported by valid, verifiable documents, such as salary tax receipts, degree certificates (notarised and authenticated), employment reference letters, and HSK certificates.
This points-based framework is central to the work permit application process for foreign nationals in China. Finerise Consultants provides comprehensive support in pre-assessing your point eligibility, advising on documentation strategy, and managing the full work permit and residence permit application procedure for your staff in Guangzhou, Foshan, and across the Greater Bay Area.
Service Quote & Consultation
For a tailored assessment of your or your employees' eligibility under the points system, and for a full-service work permit application package, please contact us:
- ✆ Guangzhou Hotline: +86 20 8732 3100
- ✆ Foshan Hotline: +86 757 8312 2090
- ✉ Email: info@finerise-hk.com
Finerise Consultants can help you
Founded in 2005, Finerise Consultants has been committed to company registration management, offshore company registration, overseas investment services, foreign investment services, financial and tax agency consulting, intellectual property agency and other fields. Provide relevant professional, fast, intimate, thoughtful, safe, cost-effective services, and be your trustworthy partner! Welcome to consult!
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